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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

As you all know, I can get a little obsessed over a certain book/series. Now that my most highly anticipated bok of the year has been released, it is time to focus on the next one!!

Shine

by Jeri Smith Ready

No other love has burned so bright

Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past. As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced that she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart.Goodreads.com description

For the next few weeks I will be posting Teasers. I picked my top 5 favorites that were posted on Jeri Smith-Ready's blog, http://blog.jerismithready.com/. I was having a hard time deciding which to post first. I finally decided on the following because it seems to pick up where Shift left off. Enjoy, and don't forget to check out the authors blog! Oh and if you havent read Shade and Shift (book one and two of this trilogy) hurry you only have a few weeks before Shine releases, May 1, 2012!!!

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**Author Note

A couple of people requested a Logan-related snippet from SHINE, and being a complete pushover, I said sure. So here you go, Logan lovers. We appreciate your support!

This scene takes place at the headquarters of the Department of Metaphysical Purity, where Aura is being interrogated, as planned at the end of SHIFT. It's the day after SHIFT has ended. Something terrible has happened, but it's not referenced in this snippet.

(Obligatory disclaimer: this is a relatively rough version. It hasn't even been line edited, much less copyedited or proofread. So it's likely to improve a ton before the final version.)

I looked at Gina, as if for permission, but really to pretend it was killing me to reveal the truth. She nodded and touched my hand soothingly.

I bit my lip. "Last night with me, alone in the cemetery near his grave."

"What time exactly?" Ritter asked.

"About nine o’clock."

"And you're certain he’s gone?"

I nodded, my throat too tight to speak, feeling and showing the first genuine emotion of this interview. "He’s gone for good," I whispered.

"Hmm." Ritter leaned over and pulled up a briefcase that had been sitting on the floor next to his chair. "Let’s confirm that, shall we?" He snapped the briefcase’s lock and lifted the lid with a flourish. Before I could ask what he was doing, Ritter pulled out a small disc of clear quartz and set it on the table between us.

Gina pointed at it. "Who’s the summoner for?"

"Who else?" He tapped its shiny surface. "Logan Keeley was tagged before the concert last week, so that he could be retrieved in the event of a disruptive incident, either for his safety or that of others."

I was ninety percent sure that Ritter was bluffing. Logan would’ve told me if he was tagged again, the way he’d been before testifying at his family’s wrongful death suit trial. The summoners allowed ghosts to be called to a place they’d never traveled in life—like a courtroom, for instance.

Ritter watched my face carefully. He obviously didn’t believe me when I said Logan was gone. Even now, a tiny part of me wondered: if Logan could cross the boundary between shade and ghost—and ghost and human—maybe he could also cross the boundary between realms.

"That won’t work," I said. "He’s in another world now."

"Maybe." Ritter slid his thumb under the disc and clicked it on. The clear quartz began to glow with a pure white light.

Inside, my heart pounded, waiting for Logan to manifest right here in the room, standing beside me with a bewildered grin. Inside, my lungs tightened with tears at the warring fear and hope of seeing him again. Inside, I was a boiling cauldron of emotion.

On the outside, I yawned.

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Come back next Wednesday for the next one!!!

*Note, all teasers posted here were copied from the authors blog. They are the sole property of the author.

Monday, March 26, 2012

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful
young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him
attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she
tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the
out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time. Erotic, amusing, and
deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess
you, and stay with you forever.

My thoughts; There has been a lot of controversy surrounding this book. From people who say it is fanfic, to people who have put down the author because this was originally a self published book, all the way to being mentioned on a certain Dr's talk show (which I will not name). TBH I had this book on my TBR list because it came highly recommended by countless women in my online book club. I did not hear about the aforementioned controversy until after I had decided to read. And lets be honest! Nothing spurs the want to read a book like a little controversy, right? So it was quickly moved to the top of my list.

When I first started this book I could see the similarities to a certain sparkly series. Not so much the story but the characters themselves. Would I have noticed had I not heard it was originally started as fanfic? Probably. Would I care? Definitely not! Yes, I did have some instances while reading where I would compare what was happening to something in the "other" story but, all in all toooootalllllly different stories!!

Now to the hard part. I am having a hard time trying to articulate how I could love a book but disagree with it on so many levels. So bear with me, if you will, while I give it my best shot. Ana is your typical "innocent in every way" heroine. Christian is your typical "automatic swoon inducing" leading man. Then... BAM!!! Mr. Grey opens the door to his dirty little secret and this story, for me, took a left turn -- straight off a cliff. OK, so I know what you are thinking...."That can't be good, right?" Well, the story is in the eye of the beholder. What I see is a troubled man who feels like he has had no control in his life and now, as an adult has decided to take complete control. Ana, in all her naivete wants to love him, and does, in spite of his - shall we say - shortcomings. That being said, I feel for both characters. I want Ana to NOT compromise who she is just because she loves him. I want more of Christian's story so that, maybe, hopefully - Oh, God...Please - I can understand him. I say this all while biting my bottom lip *snickers*

Ok, so here is the deal. I am not going to say what Christians little secret is because; If you feel the way I do, which is also how Ana feels, it makes the story that much more intense. To feel how this person feels while she is feeling it, takes your breath away. Some may find this book a little off-putting, which if I am being honest, I did at times. But, the overall experience is worth it. So I implore you to keep an open mind and enjoy. And as always.....

Friday, March 23, 2012

Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, seductive cloth as her brother. Imprisoned for eons by their mother, the Scribe Virgin, she finally frees herself-only to face a devastating injury. Manuel Manello, M.D., is drafted by the Brotherhood to save her as only he can-but when the human surgeon and the vampire warrior meet, their two worlds collide in the face of their undeniable passion. With so much working against them, can love prove stronger than the birthright and the biology that separates them?

My Thoughts; I would like to take this opportunity to shed a few tears because I have officially read all the Black Dagger books to date. I would then like to take a few moments to beg and plead with anyone who knows if and when the next one will be out...... please, Please, PLEASE, have mercy and tell me!!!!

As you can see I have become completely and totally obsessed with this series! I may never read another book ever again (ok OVERly dramatic much?), seriously this series is great. Not into the Adult genre?? Then maybe you should pass, but I would strongly suggest you give them a shot.

This book worried me to start. I knew when I finished "Lover Mine" that I may not see John Matthew, which I have stressed my love for previously, and therefore I didn't want to go forward. I sat and pondered what it would be like to be in a world without John annnnnnd then 30 seconds later I said, "What the hey! Here goes nothing!" It was awesome.

Happy reading!! :-)

3/23/12
***Note, I no longer have to beg and plead for info because Release Day is in.....4 DAYS!!!!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

“Lassiter.
I want to see the front of you.” “That’s what all the girls say.” “Do you
expect me to roll you over? ’Cuz I will.” “Your mate’s not going to like this.”
“As if that’s going to bother you?” “True. It actually makes it worth the
effort.” With a groan, he shoved his palms into the shimmering silver pool of
blood beneath him, and flopped over like the side of beef he was. “Wow,” she
breathed. “I know, right? Hung like a horse.” “If you’re really nice—you live
through this—I’ll promise not to tell V.” “About my size.” She laughed a
little. “No, that you assumed I’d look at you in any fashion other than
professionally.
-Lover Reborn (JR Ward: and I should mention this is Doc Jane talking to Lassiter
lololol)

Don't forget release date is March 27,
2012!!! That's TUESDAY!!! Yay

Happy Reading!! :-)

*** All teaser were posted by JR Ward on
her facebook page. They are the sole property of the author.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Darius, a fallen Brother, has returned to the fold with a new identity and a very different destiny. Now, John Matthew, plunged into the heart of war, must face off against evil incarnate-and rescue his one true love.

My Thoughts; I went into this book with a deep and true dislike of Xhex. John Mathew is by far my favorite of the Brotherhood 2nd only to Zsadist and I might add that it is a very thin separation, but anyway. I really loved the direction this story took. Although I did have to really take a nonjudgmental approach to Xhex. My dislike for her was still strong and it took some major chipping away to get me to the point where I could say "Okay, maybe she isn't so bad." There were a couple of revelations that happened in this book that I'm SO anxious to see where they go. So I am on to the next with great sadness for two reasons. First, now that John Matthew's story has been told, I feel like I will be seeing less of him :( Second, Lover Unleashed is the last one until the next one comes out..... which I have heard will be next year :( :( :(

Friday, March 16, 2012

5+ Stars(Black Dagger Brotherhood book 7)
Now, as the vampire warriors defend their race against their slayers, one male's
loyalty to the Brotherhood will be tested-and his dangerous mixed blood
revealed...

Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the
Brotherhood-even though his sister is married to a member, for he harbors a
deadly secret that could make him a huge liability in their war against the
lessers. As plots within and outside of the Brotherhood threaten to reveal the
truth about Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in his darkening
world, Ehlena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on
him-and the only thing standing between him and eternal
destruction.

My Thoughts; Rehvenge was exactly what I needed to pull me out of the "Phury slump". This story came together beautifully at the end and I can't wait to start on the next one. Which may or may not have everything to do with it being John Matthew's story. I am trying to hold back my swooning inner dork ;) I am really anxious to see more of Qhuinn and Blay as well, I really missed them in this book. Okay since I am on the verge of saying too much I will bring this little review to an end.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

His
slut of a cousin. His c**ksucking, suit wearing, Monte Blanc up-the-a$$ cousin,
Saxton The Magnificent, was standing next to the Queen, looking like a
combination of Cary Grant and some model in a goddamn cologne ad.

Not
that Qhuinn was bitter.

Because
the guy was sharing Blay's bed.

Nah.

Nope.
Not at all.

The
c**ksucker.

TheVS for Lover Reborn opens February 12, 2012 and will remain open until March
16, 2012 or while supplies last. (CLOSED...Sold Out)

Don't forget release date is March 27,
2012!!!

Happy Reading!! :-)

***
All teaser were posted by JR Ward on her facebook page. They are the sole property of the author.

Monday, March 12, 2012

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging
between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers
like no other—six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. And now, a dutiful
twin must choose between two lives...
Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself
for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the
Brotherhood's bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is to father the
sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive and
that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.
As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body but his
heart for herself- she sees the emotionally scarred male behind all his noble
responsibility. But while the war with the Lessening Society grows more grim,
and tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, Phury must decide between duty
and love.

My Thoughts; Ok first off I have to say Phury has some major issues. Yes, his story came together at the end but getting there is 3/4 the battle. Ok so if you didn't figure it out from the previous satement, Phury was not my favorite. I loved him til I got to know him...so to speak. Now, what I do love is John Matthew (swoon) every book I have found myself just waiting for the story to come around to him. The "Mom" in me just wants to take care of him and the the other less responsible half of me.... well, you get the idea. As always I was not dissappointed at all, well over all, I am still smh at Phury ;)

OMG.... I almost forgot about the gimongous AAAAHHH YAAAYY!!! that happens =) but no spoilers from me!!

Friday, March 9, 2012

The ruthless and brilliant brother Vishous possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of a human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time-until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that does not include her...

My Thoughts; Okay, so when I finished the previous book, Lover Revealed, I was left feeling as though Butch's story was not complete because he and Vishous are such a part of each other. I was torn between two different feelings--what I know will be and what if. As I started this book I was pulled into the what if feeling even deeper, and then some of Vishous's inner demons started to rear their ugly heads and although I was still on my "What If" train, I was quickly derailed. The story took a left turn and there was a really big HOLY COW moment towards the beginning and an Errk, beep...beep...beep (that is Stop and Back up, in normal people language) moment toward the end. Although Vishous wouldn't be my choice for a hellren, he is definitely more than meets the eye ;)

Thursday, March 8, 2012

‎"Blay let out a roar that rattled the
diamond-paned windows. Then he grabbed his lover by the back of the head and
all but threw Saxton across the room. As the male cuaght himself on that desk,
papers went flying, the confetti of yellow legal pads and computer printouts
falling like snow." -Lover Reborn

.......*THUD*

TheVS for Lover Reborn opens February 12, 2012 and will remain open until March
16, 2012 or while supplies last.( CLOSED....Sold Out)

Don't forget release date is March 27,
2012!!!

Happy Reading!! :-)

*** All teaser were posted by JR Ward on
her facebook page. They are the sole property of the author.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard-living ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world-to engage in the turf war with the lessers. His heart belongs to a female vampire, Marissa, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. And if he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers.

But fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back, though even her love may not be enough to save him.

My Thoughts; Butch's story took a totally different road than I was expecting. I love how it told of him and V. There were some eyebrow raising moments that had me thinking, Ooooh!! Umm, Okay?? I was also struck sometimes by an overwhelming, This can't be good at all!! I only gave it a 4/5 because I felt like the story was incomplete. I hope that some of my questions are answered in the next book.

Happy Reading!! :-)

3/5/12
***Note, It was important that Butch's story felt incomplete because until V's story is finished Butch's will not be either. And I will forever be haunted by "What if".

Friday, March 2, 2012

Even within the vampire brotherhood, Zsadist is feared. Still bearing the scars from a tortured past, he is renowned for his unquenchable fury. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion-until he rescues a beautiful female from the evil Lessening Society.

My Thoughts; ............................................................................. Oh Sorry, I must have slipped into a daydream. As you can see by my 5+Star rating that this has so far been my favorite in this series. The angst, the self loathing, the woman who makes it all better, and the man who just can't let her get close because "he's not worthy" *sigh* Zsadist *sigh*. Okay, so, there ya have it. Enjoy!!!

Happy Reading!! :-)

3/2/12
***Note, this is no longer my absolute favorite but it is still really high on the list

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Wrath’s eyes whipped around. “V. Shut your
motherf**king face. Or you’re out in the hall.” Vishous, son of the
Bloodletter, was not the kind of male anyone addressed like that. Except,
apparently, for Wrath. In this case, the Brother with the tattoos on his face
and the perverted reputation and the hand of death did exactly what he was
told. He shut the f**k up. Which said volumes about Wrath. Did it not.
-Lover Reborn

TheVS for Lover Reborn opens February 12, 2012 and will remain open until March
16, 2012 or while supplies last.

Don't forget release date is March 27,
2012!!!

Happy Reading!! :-)

*** All teaser were posted by JR Ward on
her facebook page. They are the sole property of the author.